(c) Chris Shaw 1999 - Wiltshire Scouts FIRE SAFETY Proficiency Badge Course

(c) Chris Shaw 1999 - Wiltshire Scouts

FIRE SAFETY Proficiency Badge Course


Badge Requirements Summary• Understand how the local Fire Brigade works.• Explain the process of combustion. Know the effects of smoke

and heat, and how to act in smoke.• Know the dangers and understand the fire precautions necessary

in the home.• Seek advice from a Fire Prevention Officer/Specialist and plan

the fire precautions for a suitable entertainment.• Know the dangers of a fire at camp and the precautions

necessary.• Explain the actions to be taken in & outdoors on an outbreak of

fire. Know the procedure for contacting the Emergency Services.• Know how to use the correct Fire Extinguishers and how to deal

with a person on fire.• Proficiency in rescue knots and their use. Demonstrate crawling

with an insensible person.


HOW FIRES STARTFire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation or burning of a fuel. It needs three elements to occur:

FUEL - Fuel can be any combustible material - solid, liquid or gas. Most solids and liquids become a vapoor or gas before they will burn.

OXYGEN - The air we breathe is about 21 percent oxygen. fire only needs an atmosphere with at least 16 percent oxygen.

HEAT - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a point where sufficient vapours are given off for ignition to occur.


THE TRIANGLE OF FIRE

• CHEMICAL REACTION - A chain reaction can occur when the three elements of fire are present in the proper conditions and proportions. Fire occurs when this rapid oxidation, or burning takes place.

• Take any one of these factors away, and the fire cannot occur or will be extinguished if it was already burning.


FIRE SOURCES

• HEAT SOURCES:Anything that produces heat,

for example... Stoves

Heating appliances

Fireplaces

Damaged electrical wiring

• FUEL SOURCES:Anything that will burn, for

example... Clothing

Furniture

Curtains

Flammable liquids


HOW FIRES ARE CLASSIFIED

• CLASS A

Ordinary combustibles or fibrous material, such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics.

• CLASS B Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, paint, paint thinners and propane.

• CLASS C Energised electrical equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel boxes and power tools.

• CLASS D Certain combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These metals burn at high temperatures and give off sufficient oxygen to support combustion. They may react violently with water or other chemicals, and must be handled with care.


HOW TO PREVENT FIRES - I

• Class A — Ordinary combustibles:– Keep storage and working areas free of rubbish. – Place oily rags in covered containers.

• Class B — Flammable liquids or gases:– Don't refuel petrol-powered equipment in a confined space,

especially in the presence of an open flame such as a furnace or water heater.

– Don't refuel petrol-powered equipment while it's hot.– Keep flammable liquids stored in tightly closed, self-closing, spill-

proof metal containers. – Store flammable liquids away from spark-producing sources.– Use flammable liquids only in well-ventilated areas.


HOW TO PREVENT FIRES - II• Class C — Electrical equipment:

– Look for old wiring, worn insulation and broken electrical fittings. Report any hazardous conditions to a responsible person.

– Utility lights should always have some type of wire guard over them. Heat from an uncovered light bulb can easily ignite ordinary combustibles.

– Don't misuse fuses. Never install an electrical fuse rated higher than specified for the circuit.– Check any appliance or electrical equipment that smells strange. This can be the first sign of fire.– Don't overload wall outlets. Two outlets should have no more than two 13amp plugs.

• Class D — Flammable metals:– Flammable metals such as magnesium and titanium generally take a very hot heat source to ignite;

however, once ignited are difficult to extinguish as the burning reaction produces sufficient oxygen to support combustion, even under water.

– In some cases, covering the burning metal with sand can help contain the heat and sparks from the reaction. Class D extinguishers are available (generally as a dry powder) which is quite effective, but they are rare.

– Pure metals such as potassium and sodium react violently (even explosively) with water and some other chemicals, and must be handled with care. Generally these metals are stored in sealed containers in a non-reactive liquid to prevent decay (surface oxidation) from contact with moisture in the air.

– White phosphorus is air-reactive and will burn/explode on contact with room air. It must be kept in a sealed container with a non-reactive solution to prevent contact with air.

– All of these metals are not uncommon, but are generally only found in small quantities and accidental fires/reactions can be controlled or avoided completely through knowledge of the properties of the metals and using good judgement and common sense.


WHEN NOTNOT TO FIGHT A FIRE!

NEVER fight a fire: If the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started If you can't fight the fire with your back to an escape exit If the fire can block your only escape If you don't have adequate fire-fighting equipment

In any of these situations,

DON'T FIGHT THE FIRE YOURSELF.CALL FOR HELP.


CALLING 999 or (112)

• Use 999 OR 112 (this is the number Europe-wide for the emergency services)

• It’s important to know your home address and phone number, and to speak clearly about the problem.

• We have to be calm so that the emergency operator answering your call understands what you are telling them.

• Stay at your location!


HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PROPER FIRE EXTINGUISHER

• All ratings are shown on the extinguisher faceplate. Some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB, BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than one class of fire.

• Class A and B extinguishers carry a numerical rating that indicates how large a fire an experienced person can safely put out with that extinguisher.

• Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating to indicate that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electrical current. Class C extinguishers must also carry a Class A or B rating.

• Class D extinguishers carry only a letter rating indicating their effectiveness on certain amounts of specific metals.


HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Squeeze trigger while holding the extinguisher upright. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.

Remember the acronym, "P.A.S.S."—

Pull the Pin.Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.


How to use a Fire Extinguisher

REMEMBER: Should your path of escape be threatened Should the extinguisher run out of agent Should the extinguisher prove to be

ineffective Should you no longer be able to safely

fight the fire

...THEN LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!


How to extinguish small fires• Class A - Extinguish ordinary combustibles by

cooling the material below its ignition temperature and soaking the fibres to prevent re-ignition.

– Use pressurised water, foam or multi-purpose(ABC-rated) dry chemical extinguishers. DO NOT USE carbon dioxide or ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical extinguishers on Class A fires.

• Class B - Extinguish flammable liquids, greases or gases by removing the oxygen, preventing the vapours from reaching the ignition source or inhibiting the chemical chain reaction.

– Foam, carbon dioxide, ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical, multi-purpose dry chemical, and halon extinguishers may be used to fight Class B fires.


• Class C - Extinguish energised electrical equipment by using an extinguishing agent that is not capable of conducting electrical currents.

– Carbon dioxide, ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical, multi-purpose dry chemical and halon* fire extinguishers may be used to fight Class C fires. DO NOT USE water extinguishers on energised electrical equipment.

• Class D - Extinguish combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium with dry powder extinguishing agents specially designated for the material involved.

– In most cases, they absorb the heat from the material, cooling it below its ignition temperature.

NOTE: Multipurpose (ABC-rated) chemical extinguishers leave a residue that can harm sensitive equipment, such as PCs and other electronic equipment. Because of this, carbon dioxide or halon extinguishers are preferred in these instances because they leave very little residue.

ABC dry powder residue is mildly corrosive to many metals. For example, residue left over from the use of an ABC dry powder extinguisher in the same room with a piano can seriously corrode piano wires.

How to extinguish small fires


WHERE CAN YOU FIND A FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

• In the corridors of buildings, and inside very large rooms. Immediately outside mechanical spaces where where

motorised or other equipment is present which might reasonably cause a fire.

In Aircraft Hangers, storage buildings, and mounted inside certain vehicles.

• Wherever possible, ALL extinguishers should be in marked locations to make them easy to identify.

• "If I just use a little, do I have to report the extinguisher as USED?”– YES! There should always be FULL extinguishers at all

locations.


• While CO2 and Halon extinguishers will generally hold their pressure after a slight discharge, BC and ABC rated DRY CHEMICAL extinguishers will usually NOT hold a charge after partial use. This includes home and vehicle dry chemical extinguishers, too!

• While the gauge may hold steady in the green immediately after a slight use, check it the next day and you'll find the gauge on EMPTY! This is because upon use the dry powder gets inside the seals and allows the nitrogen carrier to escape over a period of time.

• After ANY use a BC or ABC extinguisher MUST be serviced & recharged. YOU MUST HAVE THE EXTINGUISHER REFILLED AFTER ANY USE.

• You can't "test" an extinguisher and put it back!

Warning to thieves and vandals: Fire extinguishers and types of fire equipment on the OU campus are traceable

and theft of or damage to emergency equipment is a serious crime.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND A FIRE EXTINGUISHER?


IF A FIRE BREAKS OUTREMAIN CALM !

• Sound a warning. (Shout FIRE..FIRE..FIRE, or set off the ALARM)• Get everyone out: wrap small children in blankets if necessary ... don't

take time to get dressed. • Call the Fire Service... call from a safe location ... do not delay. • If you are leaving a room in a burning building, never open the door

without checking to see if it is warm. A warm door may mean that there is a fire on the other side. Feel the door before attempting to open it ... if it is hot ... Use an alternate exit, if possible.

• If you’re in a smoke filled room, stay low, crawl below the smoke to safety.

• In the event of fire, close doors behind you as you leave the building. This will slow the progress of the fire. If it is safe to do so, turn off all appliances as you leave.

• If your hair or clothing should catch on fire, smother the flames with a towel, blanket or other thick material ... or STOP, DROP & ROLL to smother the flames. Get medical attention as soon as possible.


HOME SAFETY TIPS!• Avoid careless smoking, use ashtrays and never smoke in bed Avoid unsafe cooking practices (too much heat, unattended stoves, wearing loose

clothing while cooking etc...) Use caution when deep fat frying and keep a lid close by to cover a pot of hot grease should it catch fire.

Check your smoke alarm regularly and replace the battery as necessary. Avoid storing unnecessary flammable liquids in your home or attached garage, such as

petrol and paint solvents. Never store propane cylinders in your home or attached garage. Do not use unsafe electrical appliances. Do not use extension cords as permanent

wiring. Discard frayed extension cords. Do not overload circuits. Tighten fuses in the fuse panel or check circuit breakers for free operation every Spring

and Autumn. Ensure that your water boilers and gas fires are installed and maintained in an

approved manner. Participate in Spring and Autumn clean-up of cellar, garage, yard and other storage

areas. – In the event that a small fire cannot be extinguished with the use of a portable fire extinguisher or the smoke presents a hazard to

the operator, leave the fire area at once. Never, place yourself or others in jeopardy by attempting to extinguish a fire. The door to the area should be closed to confine the fire. Alert the other occupants, ensure that the Fire Service is called from a place of safety.

Wait outside for the firefighters to arrive.


COMMON FIRE HAZARDS AT HOME

• Open Fires / Gas & Electric Fires– Use Fireguards

– Don’t hang clothes nearby

• Smoking / Matches– Keep away from small children

• Electrical Wiring / Fuses– Worn wiring and incorrect fuses

• Candles / Party Decorations

• Bonfires & BBQ’s

• Flammable Cleaning Materials


KITCHEN PAN FIRE !• If a pan catches fire on the stove

– Turn off heat source if possible.– Use Fire Blanket or damp cloth to

smother flame!– DO NOT USE WATER!


FIRE ESCAPE PLANNINGDevelop a Fire Escape Plan:

– Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home and test them regularly.

– Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room.

– Where possible, plan a main exit route and an alternate exit route from each room.

– Make certain that everyone understands that if they hear the smoke detector, or hear someone shouting "FIRE", they should immediately evacuate the home.

– Decide on a meeting place. Someone should be sent to phone the fire service. 9 9 9

– Meet the firefighters when they arrive, so they know that you are safe.

– Make certain that everyone in your home knows not to re-enter a burning building. Firefighters are properly equipped and trained to perform rescue operations, you are not.

Practice Your Escape Plan! Regular practice is best to help prevent PANIC when an actual emergency occurs. Every family member should know what to do.


EXIT DRILLS IN THE HOME (E.D.I.T.H)

• Prepare a floor plan of your home showing at least two ways out of each room.

• Sleep with your bedroom door closed. It helps to hold back heat and smoke.

• Agree on a fixed location out-of-doors where family members are to gather for a head count.

• Make certain that no one goes back inside.

• PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE.


IF A FIRE SHOULD OCCUR IN YOUR HOME...

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

Familiarise yourself with at least two exits from each room; for example, one window and one door. Know where the exits are; practice using them.

HAVE A MEETING PLACE LOCATED OUTSIDE

A fire is no time to be worrying about who made it out and who did not. By establishing a central meeting place outside the house, you can count heads and not have to wonder who might still be inside.

PHONE THE FIRE BRIGADE FROM A NEIGHBOUR'S

NEVER GO BACK INSIDE FOR ANY REASON!

Once you are outside, do not go back inside. The fire brigade will be there in a matter of minutes. Stay at the meeting place and wait for the fire brigade.


IN A FIRE, SECONDS COUNT!• For early detection of fires, install smoke detectors

near your sleeping areas.

• Design a home fire escape plan; practice using it.– Establishing EXIT DRILLS IN THE HOME (E.D.I.T.H.)

will insure that everyone in the home will know what to do should a fire occur.

• If you have sleeping areas located on the second floor, provide an escape ladder or rope. Check these carefully to make certain they are safe.

• Check windows that would be used in an escape to see that they open easily.


WHAT TO DO…...

This will smother the flames, possibly saving your life.

Just remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL as clothing will burn rapidly.

IF SOMEONE CATCHES FIRE

DO NOT RUN but..

• STOP - where you are

• DROP - to the floor

• ROLL - around on the floor


WHAT TO DO…...

• Smoke rises, so stay close to the floor where the air will be less toxic.

• Use a damp towel or cloth to cover your mouth to minimise smoke inhalation.

IF YOU GET CAUGHT IN SMOKE– KEEP LOW &

– CRAWL!


FIRE SAFETY AT CAMP• Do’s

– Do keep lids on flammable containers!– Do have firebuckets filled and nearby!– Use stoves in well ventilated areas!– Do put out smouldering embers!– Do protect the ground from fires.

• Don’ts– Don’t play near fires and stoves!– Don’t use stoves in small tents!– Don’t build fires under trees!


THE FIRE SERVICES• Most Counties have their own Fire Brigade.

• Wiltshire Fire Brigade HQ’s is at Potterne (nr. County Scout Centre)

• Full-Time & Voluntary Fire Fighters

• Variety of specialised Fire Tenders


MORE FIRE BRIGADE INFO

• Recognising Ranks at a Fire Station– Leading Fireman - 1 White stripe

– Sub-Officer - 2 White stripes

– Station Officer - 1 Black Stripe

• Fire Fighters receive a wide variety of specialised Training


Roles of the Fire Brigade• Do lots more than just fight fires!

– Cutting people out of crashed cars– Dealing with Floods– Ensuring public buildings meet Fire Regulations.– Rescues of people and animals from unusual

situations!

• Airports & MOD have their own Fire Services– Specialist training & knowledge for Aircraft Fires!

Documents

(c) Chris Shaw 1999 - Wiltshire Scouts FIRE SAFETY Proficiency Badge Course